Due to the challenges of implementing Meaningful Use, it is unsurprising the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) is finally rethinking the plan. The goal of Meaningful Use (MU) to achieve nationwide electronic health record (EHR) interoperability and ultimately improve overall healthcare remains intact. Until further details and a formal announcement, certain steps will
An individual’s right to access their protected health information (PHI) should be nothing new to covered entities. In 1996, HIPAA Privacy Rule detailed an individual’s right to access PHI. As part of HITECH and the Final Omnibus Rule, modifications to the Privacy Rule have included additional requirements for covered entities and business associates. Unfortunately, recent
As the end of the year approaches, keep in mind that all breaches of unsecured protected health information involving less than 500 individuals must be reported to the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within 60 days of the end of the calendar year. If the organization already reported a breach
As the world of healthcare evolves, more and more healthcare providers are turning to mobile devices in their practice. If you are a covered entity, you are responsible for complying with HIPAA regulations for securing private patient information, including when using mobile devices. Here are some guidelines to ensure security while using mobile devices: Before
Audits and investigations are stressful events either with or without prior notice. Medical staff should be prepared for an unannounced visit. First Healthcare Compliance provides a sample policy that assists clients in preparing the front office. Here are some recommendations to ensure that proper steps are taken: Immediately contact your supervisor, manager and/or Compliance Officer
Medical identity theft continues to be major problem in the US with approximately 2.32 million adults or close family members falling victim in 2014. According to the Fifth Annual Study on Medical Identity Theft by the Ponemon Institute, medical identity theft is on the rise with a 21.7% increase since last year.
Just correct the problem and you will be compliant? No, but this is the first step in the right direction. According to the HHS in “A Roadmap for New Physicians – Avoiding Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and Abuse,” the following steps should be taken: Immediately cease filing the problematic bills Seek knowledgeable legal counsel Determine
The answer is no. So who does? Healthcare providers and health plans are the owners of medical records. With respect to the imaging portion of the record, the facility creating the image has ownership. However, patients have the right to access their information, obtain copies and request for an amendment to the record. This amendment
